Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

Australia

Birth

:

October 23, 1961 in Brisbane, Australia

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Ballet

 

 

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Vocal

 

Brett Dean is a renowned Australian composer and violist, born on October 23, 1961, in Brisbane, Australia. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a professional jazz drummer and his mother a singer. Dean began playing the violin at the age of eight and later switched to the viola, which became his primary instrument. Dean studied at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and later at the University of Queensland, where he received a Bachelor of Music degree. He then moved to Germany to study at the Hochschule für Musik in Cologne, where he studied viola with Bruno Giuranna and composition with Hans Werner Henze. Dean's career as a violist began in 1985 when he joined the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, where he played for 14 years. During his time with the orchestra, he also began to establish himself as a composer, writing works for various ensembles and orchestras. In 2000, Dean left the Berlin Philharmonic to focus on his career as a composer. Since then, he has become one of the most prominent composers of his generation, with his works being performed by leading orchestras and ensembles around the world. Dean's music is known for its emotional intensity and vivid imagery, often drawing inspiration from literature, art, and the natural world. His works often explore themes of memory, loss, and the human condition. One of Dean's most famous works is his Viola Concerto, which he wrote in 2004. The concerto was inspired by the death of his mother and explores themes of grief and loss. The work has been performed by leading orchestras around the world, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. Another notable work by Dean is his opera Bliss, which premiered in 2010 at the Sydney Opera House. The opera is based on the novel by Peter Carey and tells the story of a man who survives a near-death experience and becomes obsessed with finding true happiness. The work has been praised for its powerful music and emotional depth. Dean has also written a number of chamber works, including his String Quartet No. 2, which was commissioned by the Hagen Quartet and premiered in 2013. The work is a tribute to the Australian landscape and draws inspiration from the paintings of Australian artist Sidney Nolan. In addition to his work as a composer, Dean is also a respected conductor and performer. He has conducted leading orchestras around the world, including the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed as a soloist with many orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic and the London Symphony Orchestra. Dean has received numerous awards and honors for his work as a composer, including the Grawemeyer Award for Music Composition in 2009. He was also appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2019 for his contributions to music. In conclusion, Brett Dean is a highly respected composer and violist who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His music is known for its emotional depth and vivid imagery, and his works have been performed by leading orchestras and ensembles around the world. Dean's legacy as a composer and musician is sure to endure for many years to come.

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